How do you replace rear hatch on 86 Vanagon GL

[kciri]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I recently got an 86 Vanagon GL and it has a big dent in the rear hatch. I was lucky to find an identical hatch with no dent. I now need to replace the hatch. This will be my first repair on the van. I understand you need to be really careful when taking the bolts out of the hinges because they can strip and then you have real problems.

Has anyone done this job before and can you offer any pointers. I also will need to rekey or replace the lock on the back hatch. I will also need to deal with the plastic hatch panel and clips and the the wires coming into the hatch from both sides. Thanks for the help. I am excited to get started, but want to do a good job.

[insyncro]

Swap over the lock, it is not difficult.

Yes the hardware at the hinge is unique.
A regular allen wrench will do it.
Just make sure it doesn't slop around and bugger the head.
Making marks where the hinge rests helps put them back and keep the lock somewhat aligned.

[goffoz]

This job is much easier if you do it under a something that you can sling the hatch too...to take the weight.
also the rubber boot on the passengers side is NLA
..What I did was grind the opening, for the wireing and squirter hose to a oval
that matches the drivers side...then you can install the same boot as the drivers side (still available)
for some reason the pass.side boot is always toast
Depending on your model there is a wiring connection under the headliner
you'll need to acess.(ground drivers sideIIRC)
..this is also a good time to do a new squirter hose and pull some wires thru your new boot for
..a hatch light/third brake light/speakers/solenoid for the hatch lock...think about it
Good luck

[syncrodoka]

[dobryan]

Welcome to the samba.

An allen wrench may not be able to deliver enough torque to loosen the bolts. I find that a hex socket and a ratchet is what it usually takes for me. YMMV.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[kciri]

I appreciate the responses. I hope to do the job this weekend. I will try to take pictures and post for the next person. Peace.